Rising Scholars Collective is a growing organization whose work has gained strong visibility through invited presentations, institutional partnerships, community-led events, and educational outreach reaching hundreds of families across multiple communities.
Our founder, Dr. Slaton-Barkley, was recognized on the New Leader's social media page for her leadership in Rising Scholars Collective and her work to bring transformative education to her community.
In May 2025, Dr. Slaton-Barkley was honored by the Attuned Community School for being a Community Changer for her work in advocacy, supporting students with disabilities and promoting parents and educators alike in their quest for providing the best education for their students as possible. Congratulations Dr. Slaton-Barkley!
News | For Immediate Release
December 19, 2025
Rising Scholars Collective Earns National Recognition for Student and Parent Engagement
National School Choice Week names an "All Star" for helping families better understand local learning options
Macon - Rising Scholars Collective is receiving national recognition for its commitment to helping parents in Middle Georgia better understand the learning options available for their children.
Today, Rising Scholars Collective was named an "All Star" participant in the annual celebration of National School Choice Week (January 25-31, 2026, schoolchoiceweek.com) by the event's organizer, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation.
More than 26,400 schools across the country take part in National School Choice Week each January, but fewer than five percent earn the “All Star” distinction. “All Star” schools are celebrated for going above and beyond to raise awareness of the PreK–12 education options available to families—including public, charter, magnet, private, online, and home education.
All-Star participants host positive, family-centered events and activities that help parents understand their school choice options and that celebrate students, teachers, and local school communities.
This year, Rising Scholars Collective will host the Middle Georgia School Choice Fair for Transformative Education featuring more than 30 schools and organizations. They have also prepared a two-week celebration partnering with local organizations, churches and non-profits to host school-related events in the community. The calendar event for this celebration can be found at www.MiddleGeorgiaSchoolChoice.com.
This is the second year they are hosting a school choice fair. National School Choice Week 2026 runs from January 25–31, 2026.